Happy New Year, everyone! With 2017 at an end, I got to thinking about my favourite movies of year and, though it was no easy task, I've managed to whittle it down. Here's a countdown of my Top 10 Films of 2017...
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Raw (Julia Ducournau, 2016) - Justine (Garance Marillier) comes from a long line of vegetartians and vets. However, following a horrific hazing at veterinary school, she soon encounters a decadent, merciless and dangerously seductive world. Desperate to be accepted by her peers, she strays from her principles and eats raw meat but quickly experiences unexpected consequences as her true self begins to emerge.
Arguably one of the most underrated films of 2017 is French-Belgian horror, Raw. Told from a refreshing and unique female perspective, Raw does a fantastic job exploring the monstrous and taboo subject matter. Whilst the majority of audiences will find themselves shocked and appalled by many of it's scenes, cinephiles will find themselves utterly exhilarated.
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The Florida Project (Sean Baker, 2017) - Set on a stretch of highway just outside Disney World, The Florida Project is told through the eyes of six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and her rebellious mother Halley (Bria Vinai) over the course of a single summer. Living at The Magic Castle motel (run by Bobby, played by Willem Defo), Moonee spends each day causing mischief and adventure but is unaware of the means her mother goes to support their living arrangements.
I had no idea what to expect when going in to The Florida Project but within minutes I knew it was a winner. Whilst there may not be a clear plot as such, the film is very much an observational piece on Trump's America. Shining a harsh light on poverty and working classes in Florida but through a beautiful and moving lens.
Call Me By Your Name (Luca Guadagnino, 2017) - In the summer of 1983, 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) is vacationing at the family villa in Italy. He soon meets Oliver (Armie Hammer), a handsome doctoral student who's working as an intern for Elio's father. Despite their surroundings, the pair quickly form a relationship that will alter their lives forever.
Baby Driver (Edgar Wright, 2017) - Baby (Ansel Elgort) decides to leave his life of crime behind when he meets the love of his life, Debora (Lily James). However, being the best in the business causes problems for Baby when his crime lord boss, Doc (Kevin Spacey), won't let go without a fight and insists on one last heist.
Baby Driver is easily one of the most enjoyable and original films I've seen in a long time. The direction is flawless; the cast (both supporting and leads) make for fantastic viewing and the soundtrack will leave you buzzing. This highly amusing and sometimes heartwarming action thriller was an easy entry for my top films of 2017. You can see my full review here.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Rian Johnson, 2017) - Having been sent by the Resistance to find Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Rey (Daisy Ridley) is determined to learn the ways of the Force. Meanwhile, Finn (John Boyega) must find a way to save the ship from Kylo Ren as the First Order carry out an assault on the Rebel fleet and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher).
Whilst the latest Star Wars instalment has left critics and fans divided, I can honestly say that I just loved it. Of course, not without fault, it is steeped in nostalgia whilst also welcoming a new generation. To be expected from Disney and Star Wars, it does not fail to shock and awe as it combines humour, stunning cinematography and superb storytelling.
I had no idea what to expect when going in to The Florida Project but within minutes I knew it was a winner. Whilst there may not be a clear plot as such, the film is very much an observational piece on Trump's America. Shining a harsh light on poverty and working classes in Florida but through a beautiful and moving lens.
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Another emotional entry in at no.8 is Call Me By Your Name. Having so rightfully received praise at the London Film Festival, the film is a full-hearted romantic masterpiece. Strap yourself in for a rollercoaster of joy and devastation.
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Baby Driver is easily one of the most enjoyable and original films I've seen in a long time. The direction is flawless; the cast (both supporting and leads) make for fantastic viewing and the soundtrack will leave you buzzing. This highly amusing and sometimes heartwarming action thriller was an easy entry for my top films of 2017. You can see my full review here.
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Whilst the latest Star Wars instalment has left critics and fans divided, I can honestly say that I just loved it. Of course, not without fault, it is steeped in nostalgia whilst also welcoming a new generation. To be expected from Disney and Star Wars, it does not fail to shock and awe as it combines humour, stunning cinematography and superb storytelling.
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Get Out (Jordan Peele, 2017) - When Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) visits his girlfriend's parents for the first time, he is very quickly made aware of a large elephant in the room. As an African American, he is made to feel increasingly uncomfortable in their untactful and predominantly white town. Following a bizarre dinner party at the family estate, Chris' suspicions are confirmed - leading to a series of horrific events.
A tense and intelligent satire from start to finish, Get Out very kindly made it in to my Top Films of the year list. With very little flaws to be found and so many wonderful Easter eggs dotted throughout, it is so easy to forget that this is Jordan Peele’s directorial debut (and first film away from his comedy partner, Keegan-Michael Key). Here’s hoping that this is the first of many - read my full film review here.
Manchester By The Sea (Kenneth Lonergan, 2016) - Chandler (Casey Affleck) is an irritable loner working for the Boston apartment block as a handyman. Having learnt of his brother's passing, he returns to his hometown where he has been named guardian to his 16-year-old nephew. Having lost his only sibling and unwillingly inherited a child, Lee is forced to confront his tragic past.
Gangs of New York (2002) director, Kenneth Lonergan, returns to the chair for the first time since 2011. Though an utterly depressing narrative, Manchester By The Sea features some truly mesmerising performances; including that of Affleck who took home the Oscar for Best Actor and a nomination for Best Supporting for Michelle Williams and Lucas Hedges. For me, Manchester By The Sea just ticked all the boxes.
Blade Runner 2049 (Denis Villeneuve, 2017) - Thirty years after the events of the original Blade Runner film, a LAPD Officer named K (Ryan Gosling) unearths a long-buried secret which leads him to go in search of Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) - a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for three decades.
I'll admit I was rather apprehensive when I heard they were making a Blade Runner sequel. As one of my all time favourite films, I felt as though it was entirely unnecessary and could only tarnish the reputation of a wonderful classic. However, under the trusty supervision of Prisoners (2013) and Arrival director, Denis Villeneuve, it is a truly remarkable piece of cinema. In true Villeneuve style, it has outstanding cinematography and is a masterpiece in storytelling. A 5 star film.
La La Land (Damien Chazelle, 2016) - Set in present day Los Angeles, follows the story of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring but struggling young actress. Having met Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated yet conflicted jazz musician, the pair set out to pursue their dreams in a city where not everyone can make it. Presented as an all singing, all dancing musical, the pair must choose between a lifetime love or the glowing spotlight.
Having famously missed out to Moonlight at the 89th Academy Awards, La La Land still managed to dominate awards season. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle of Whiplash (2013) fame, we can experience a rollercoaster of emotions; beautiful cinematography and engaging performances from both Stone and Gosling. It may have received mixed reviews from audiences but it's safe to say that, for me, La La Land is a modern day classic. I haven't been able to stop singing the soundtrack since.
Dunkirk (Christopher Nolan, 2017) - Stranded in France and surrounded by the German army, a group of WWI soldiers must make their way to the shores of Dunkirk in hopes of a rescue. Back home in Britain, however, the truths of war are being realised and civilian ships join forces to aid in a historic rescue, pivotal to the success of Britain.
With Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy starring, and Christopher Nolan in the director's chair, it was hardly any surprise that Dunkirk was set for greatest. I managed to see Dunkirk three times during it's cinema run, each time leaving me just has emotional and in awe as the first. Arguably one of the most intense films ever made and perhaps one of the all time best of its genre, Nolan's Dunkirk is a remarkable and stunning lesson in history and the human condition. You can read my full review here.
Well, that's it for my Top 10 Films of 2017. I can assure you this was no easy list to make. There were so many films this year that would have just as deservingly been included. Some honourable mentions from my Top 20 would include Brigsby Bear (Dave McCary, 2017), Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016), Wonder Woman (Patty Jenkins, 2017), IT (Andy Muschietti, 2017) and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 (James Gunn, 2017).
But tell me, what were your favourite films from 2017? Were there any you think I've missed out? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones down below.
Until next time, have a fantastic New Year film fans!
*This list is based on films released in the UK from January 1st to December 31st.
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Gangs of New York (2002) director, Kenneth Lonergan, returns to the chair for the first time since 2011. Though an utterly depressing narrative, Manchester By The Sea features some truly mesmerising performances; including that of Affleck who took home the Oscar for Best Actor and a nomination for Best Supporting for Michelle Williams and Lucas Hedges. For me, Manchester By The Sea just ticked all the boxes.
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I'll admit I was rather apprehensive when I heard they were making a Blade Runner sequel. As one of my all time favourite films, I felt as though it was entirely unnecessary and could only tarnish the reputation of a wonderful classic. However, under the trusty supervision of Prisoners (2013) and Arrival director, Denis Villeneuve, it is a truly remarkable piece of cinema. In true Villeneuve style, it has outstanding cinematography and is a masterpiece in storytelling. A 5 star film.
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Having famously missed out to Moonlight at the 89th Academy Awards, La La Land still managed to dominate awards season. Written and directed by Damien Chazelle of Whiplash (2013) fame, we can experience a rollercoaster of emotions; beautiful cinematography and engaging performances from both Stone and Gosling. It may have received mixed reviews from audiences but it's safe to say that, for me, La La Land is a modern day classic. I haven't been able to stop singing the soundtrack since.
| (Image Source) |
With Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy starring, and Christopher Nolan in the director's chair, it was hardly any surprise that Dunkirk was set for greatest. I managed to see Dunkirk three times during it's cinema run, each time leaving me just has emotional and in awe as the first. Arguably one of the most intense films ever made and perhaps one of the all time best of its genre, Nolan's Dunkirk is a remarkable and stunning lesson in history and the human condition. You can read my full review here.
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But tell me, what were your favourite films from 2017? Were there any you think I've missed out? As always, I love reading your comments so please do leave me lots of lovely ones down below.
Until next time, have a fantastic New Year film fans!
*This list is based on films released in the UK from January 1st to December 31st.
